President Barzani Meets UN Envoy to Iraq

President Masoud Barzani has received and welcomed a United Nations delegation in his offices in Salahadin. The delegation was headed by Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, Mr. Nickolay Mladenov.

Mr. Mladenov and President Barzani discussed the recent developments in the Kurdistan Region as well as the political situation in Baghdad. During the meeting, the Special Representative expressed his admiration for the development in the Kurdistan Region and commented on the upcoming legislative elections in Iraq. Mr. Mladenov also made reference to the planned Kurdish national summit which is to take place in the near future and offered his support.

On the current debate regarding new legislation for next year’s parliamentary elections in Iraq, President Barzani said unless a just mechanism is found for seat allocation, the Kurdistan Region will reserve its right to boycott the elections next year. He explained that in 2010 elections, the Kurdistan Region was unjustly treated as it was accorded too few parliamentary seats.

President Barzani congratulated Mr. Mladenov for his new post as the Special Representative to the Secretary-General and stated that he hopes the United Nations will continue to help in the development of the political process in Iraq. The President also stated that the Kurdistan Region will make every effort to ensure that the electoral law for the upcoming elections treats all components of the Iraqi society equally.